I recently left a successful career to pursue a career as a special education educator. I wanted to make a real impact as an individual and move the needle towards something good in this world. I struggled in school and had very little help. I felt left behind. I knew I wanted to help kids left behind or deemed unreachable. So I started my journey taking a job as an intern. I cut my salary in half and as a single father I was terrified about the choice I made and the consequences it could have on my family. I have never looked back. I love my job and the daily rewards of helping kids realize that they can read, write and do math. I’ve found that it’s not just the quality of instruction that they receive, but the belief that the person teaching them believes in them. That is how I bring students to their own sense and presence. I genuinely believe in them, I genuinely care about them, I support and guide them. I show them their inner strength. I recently made exceptional progress with a student who had not shown progress for years. Teachers said he did absolutely nothing in class. By the end of the year we were building California Missions with this student and writing complete essays. The difference between me and his previous teacher was the fact that I cared and showed him he was wanted and he could learn. My mission is to show every student who passes through my doors that they belong. To help them find their inner strength and confidence. I had another teacher tell me that I was to kind , and I quote “ you’re not their friend.” I said no I’m their teacher that cares about them. I want to know how their day was. I want to know what was good, and what could have been better. Because otherwise how can I know how to best serve my student. How can I know their interest and what motivates them. How else will they trust me to teach them. Kids don’t learn from people they don’t like. Kindness is my number one rule in my class and I abide by it too. This scholarship would help me continue my education and help better serve the students that others see as unreachable. No student deserves to feel left out . It’s my mission to make sure that they are not.